Sinclair Spotlight: Best Road to Their Future

Taking care of the country, taking care of sick kids

Meet David Jenkins: Serving our country, and on the path to serving sick kids

When Marine Corps reservist David Jenkins reaches his career goal of becoming a pediatric nurse, two key words from his journey will stand out together – flexibility and Sinclair.

Like rungs on a ladder, Jenkins has found the footing for his climb towards his dream career through Sinclair’s ability to provide options that specifically supported him. That kind of support is reflected in Sinclair’s designation as a Military Friendly college, which recognizes responsiveness from Sinclair to the unexpected time demands and other special circumstances that come with balancing student life and military service.

Jenkins foundations for college success began to truly take deep root all the way back in 8th grade, when he joined Sinclair’s “Young Scholars” outreach program. “I knew it could work for me,” he said. “I audited a class here when I was in high school, and I was coming to Sinclair for Young Scholars every Saturday. It was comfortable, and they helped with skills in math and science all the way through 12th grade.”

Coming out of high school, Jenkins enlisted in the Marines in 2014. But once he got through his intense initial year of training, he began to think about going further in school. His next step was clear, thanks to Sinclair’s earlier support. He could see in his own household the value of a Sinclair degree, as his mom earned hers and turned it into a career as a project analyst with CareSource. Plus, as a Young Scholars student, Jenkins benefits from that program’s “Last Dollar” guarantee, a feature which covers any of his college expenses not met by other financial aid.

Jenkins’ first year was demanding, but rewarding.

I really like Sinclair’s teachers. They understood the flexibility I needed with my military schedule and they worked with me to give me a fair amount of time to get my work completed.

Now he’s added a role as a patient transporter at a local hospital to his mix of time demands as he begins his second year at Sinclair this fall. Once he wraps up his Sinclair Associate’s Degree in Nursing, he’s already looking a few rungs further ahead and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree. “I like kids and I enjoy working with them in the hospital. Being at Sinclair has helped add to my drive to do well, and it’s helped me to be around other students who also really want to succeed.”

By how far he has come, David Jenkins is already a Sinclair success story. With more progress yet ahead, he’ll become a community’s success story, helping the youngest among us when they need it most while also serving his country. That’s a climb whose value we all can appreciate.